Apply a rich conditioner through hair (I currently use Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose conditioner) and very gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb

Cover with a shower cap and wrap with a towel. Leave on for 1 – 8 hours. Basically depends on what I’m doing at the time!

Rinse out with cold water

Apply leave in conditioner (I use Kim Love’s recipe – find it in the intro box of her KimmayTube YouTube channel)

Apply a shea butter mix I created (with Jojoba oil and a few drops of essential oil to make it creamy

Two-strand twist away! (It takes me 2-3 hours)

Daily spritz with a water and oil mix (about 1 tbsp of Jojoba oil and/or vegetable glycerin in an approximately 150ml spray bottle)

I usually wash and twist on a Sunday or Monday and then take the twists out on Friday or Saturday. The twist-out can last 2-4 days. All I do in the mornings is spritz my hair with the water and oil mix, to bring life back to the sleep-matted tresses. Water works magic! Learning that I don’t have to avoid it is probably the best thing I’ve done for my hair.

One thing I’m not so happy about is how much work this all takes! I’m going to be honest here: I thought locs were a lot of work but, taking good care of my “loose” natural hair is so much more intensive. I don’t say this to discourage anyone considering going natural though because, after all is said and done, it’s absolutely worth it! Well, I think so at least.

hi lulu, wow! I can truly relate. I have had natural hair for the last 11 years, wearing it short. Late last year decided to grow it out…..and tisk tisk tisk I didn’t realize how nappy, kinky, coarse, thick and closely twisted my hair is. It is hard to maintain, I comb it out in the morning, set it in an afro style and within the hour…it shrinks. I have bought all sorts of natural products to help but it’s all in vain. So am settling for locs…and the journey began last month so will see how it works. Good luck, by the way I love the twist they compliment your face. CHEERS:-)

HI Mercy, thanks for sharing your story. When I decided to wear locs, all those years ago, it was because of that same realisation that, I might as well let my hair do what it clearly wants to do! And even now, when I’m labouring (with love, of course), detangling and twisting, that thought does often cross my mind again.
Good luck with the journey – can’t wait to see your locs. For the time being, I’m going to stick this “loose” hair journey out. Thanks for the compliment 🙂

Your hair looks great. I agree with the previous comment it really suits your face shape.
Reasons why having natural hair is worth it for me:
1. Thick, afro hair keeps your head nice and warm in winter time!
2. I don’t have to rely on hair-dressers
3. I probably spend about £30 per year on hair-related products and up-keep. Yay for my purse!
4. It is versatile and beautiful!
5. Even when you don’t know what to do, there are plenty of “naturals” on Youtube to give you ideas and encouragement in trying new styles! 🙂

Thank you Sharmay :). I love your reasons and I can totally relate! Some of my reasons:
1. Being that I don’t have to rely on hairdressers, I can do my hair whenever and wherever. Beach vacation? No stress. Natural hair has liberated my lifestyle.
2. I keep discovering new things I can do with my hair/things my hair can do. Delights the inner child in me.
3. I think that “big” hair that stands up suits my face (and my personality) better than hair that falls flat. Clearly the Great Designer had reasons.

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I'm Lulu Kitololo, artist and designer, and Afri-love is about loving yourself and the freedom to be yourself. I hope to inspire and support other African and diaspora creatives to be true to themselves in creating the businesses and lives they want.